With his announcement to his teammates earlier this month and an interview with Outsports last week, Butler University's Xavier Calvin has set the record, becoming the 6th openly gay football player in the NCAA.
Calvin felt the need to no longer hide in the shadows and measure up to what people wanted him to be, telling Outsports,
“A lot of times when it comes to gay men in sports we feel like people think we will be ‘less-than’ because of our personal life. I got so caught up trying to please others that I fell into a path of always trying to help others and not myself. Finally I became courageous enough to be myself.”
Realizing the recent trend of football players coming out this year, as well as, receiving endless support from both his classmates and teammates, Calvin has learned that people “care more about you as a person and your mental health.”
With the 2017 football season already underway, we as gay men shouldn't just be rooting on the Butler Bulldogs. Here are the remaining sexy and proud players that you should be keeping an eye on this fall.
My-King Johnson
Arizona State's defensive lineman My-King Johnson made history this year by being one of the first openly gay football players in the NCAA. But, for Johnson his identity has always been here. He believes everybody else is showing up late to the party.
“As a kid who plays football being open is not new for me, it’s just new for everybody else.”
Scott Frantz
Kansas State's Wildcats offensive tackler Scott Frantz came out earlier this summer. Frantz wanted to use his coming out story as a way to save other kids' lives.
“You just have to help out people whenever you can, that’s what life’s all about. You can’t go through it alone and if I can reach out to even just one person and help them not hate themselves, people who feel hopeless, if I can reach one person and potentially save their life, that’s all that matters. That’s all I wanted to do.”
More: NFL Restricting Players True Identities: Aaron Rodger Speaks Out
Kyle Kurdziolek
University of St. Francis linebacker Kyle Kurdziolek came out in May 2016 to one of his teammates. After being encouraged to come out by NFL's Michael Sam, Kurdziolek felt the confidence to do the same and decided to celebrate right here in Chicago's gay neighborhood, Boystown.
“The biggest thing was that there was no judgement about who you came with, why you came, or why you were in Boystown.”
Darrion McAlister
Marian University Knights' center Darrion McAlister, after a game of “Never Have I Ever,” and an interview with IndyStar, decided to come out to his teammates in Feb. 2017. McALister, who's also friends with Kurdziolek, said although the decision puts a target on his back, he's relieved to be his true self.
“Now that I’ve told more people it resonates well with me. I don’t know how anyone will take it. It’s a scary thought, thinking about the unknown, but I’m just ready to be myself.”
Wyatt Pertuset
Capital University's receiver Wyatt Pertuset came out in early when he was back in high school, in Ohio. However, being aware that the transition to college is not easy, he encourages anyone that is afraid that they are not alone.
“If you are in the closet and also an athlete and you’re reading this, I want you to know that coming out is not as scary as you make it out to be. It is the most relieving experience you’ll ever come to term with.”
We at GPB salute these brave players for their authenticity in owning their truth and wish them a great season on the field. If you want to check out a gay college football's fan goal in visiting all 130 major college stadiums, click here.
